For many of us, holiday time may be the first time in many months or even years that we are seeing our family members. Changes in cognition in someone who lives with dementia can be a game changer for family gatherings. We want to offer you some suggestions to make your holiday visits as successful and loving as they can be affordable senior care treasure Coast fl!

When preparing, consider:

1. More than one or two visitors at a time can be overwhelming.
2. Keep the environment as calm as possible. Turn off loud music or TV. Distractions are difficult for everyone, especially people living with dementia.
3. Visits should be scheduled at times that you know are most likely to be enjoyable for your person…if there is a time they like to nap or watch a favorite TV show, or even a time when they typically get anxious (sundowning), consider this.
4. Share this information with your planned visitors in advance so that they have time to think about it and prepare.

Do …..

• Remember that people living with dementia can be very sensitive to certain nuances in body language and tone of voice – be aware of yours and what impact you may be having on your loved one.
• Speak in short sentences with simple concepts. One thought or idea at a time so there is less to track.
• Always try and make eye contact, out of respect.
• Speak slowly and unless the person is hearing impaired, with a pleasant, normal volume to your voice.